While Canada might be known for its colder climate and snowy winters, there are plenty of times throughout the year when Canadians need a cooler. Whether it’s a sunny day near the beach, camping in the woods, or just storing food and drink for easy transport, a high-quality cooler will definitely come in handy in Canada.
Coolers come in a wide variety of sizes and types. So, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Don’t worry! We’ve taken a close look at some of the best coolers in Canada. Our list of recommendations is the result of vigorous analysis, with special attention to features, size, weight, and capacity. These are some of the most important things to look for when purchasing a cooler.
Best Coolers for Canadians
- Best Overall: Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler
- Best Portability: Under Armour 24-Can Sideline Cooler
- Best for Large Capacity: Igloo BMX Cooler
- Best Wheeled: Coleman 316 Cooler
- Best Features: Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
- Best for Working: Klein Tools Work Cooler
Why Did We Choose These Coolers in Canada?
Our list of the best coolers in Canada is based on the features that Canadians value most. Each was evaluated for quality and included for a reason. As we looked at each cooler, some features stood out to us. These features became the reason we chose to include these coolers on our list.
The Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler is our choice for best overall because of the combination of storage space and features. It’s large enough to transport what you need, but still lightweight enough to transport easily.
For the best portability, we chose Under Armour’s 24-Can Sideline Cooler because of its compact size and extra pockets.
The best large-capacity cooler on our list is the Igloo BMX Cooler, which has a 49-litre capacity. This cooler is reinforced to handle the heaviest loads.
If you need a cooler with wheels, we think The Coleman 316 cooler is the best choice. It’s large, sturdy, and convenient for Canadians looking to wheel their cold goods behind them.
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze made the top of our list for the best features because of its unique storage options and removable hardbody interior.
If you’re a hard-working Canadian, the Klein Tools Work Cooler is the best choice for toting your lunch to the job site, because of its heavy-duty construction, durability, and portability.
Best Overall
Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler
Features:
- Material: Polyurethane
- Dimensions: 54.3cm x 40.9cm x 40 cm
- Capacity: 28.2 litres
- Can Capacity: 20 Cans
- Weight: 9 kg
It's Great For:
- Canadians who need a large-capacity cooler
- Those who need easy portability
- Outdoorsmen who need a bear-resistant cooler
- Durability and Heavy-duty construction
For Canadians who need the best of everything, we’ve chosen the Yeti Tundra 35 cooler. Our choice for the best overall cooler was easy because the Yeti Tundra offers a great combination of features, capacity, and portability.
The Yeti Tundra 35 is sturdy and durable, but lightweight enough to easily carry it where you need to go, even if you’re on your own. It features military-grade polyester rope handles with cushioned grips that help you easily carry this cooler with two hands. Like all Tundra coolers, it features T-Rex lid latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber that will stand the test of time.
This durable cooler is manufactured using Rotomolded Construction, which makes it virtually indestructible. It has a Fatwall design with extra-thick walls and three inches of Permafrost insulation, which is pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam. The lid is insulated as well and features an additional Coldlock gasket for an extra-strong seal.
The cooler can hold up to 11.79 kilograms of ice when empty, and at the recommended 2:1 ratio, has enough space to hold 20 cans of your favourite beverage. Other features we love are the moulded tie-down slots for easy mounting, the Vortex drain system, the patented hinge system that won’t break down easily, the dry goods basket, and the non-slip feet. The best feature for Canadians, however, is the fact that this cooler is certified bear-resistant.
The Highlights
The Yeti Tundra 35 offers a slew of design features that keep the cold in and the heat out, plus a large storage capacity and easy portability. We think the combination of features and durability of this cooler makes it the best overall choice for Canadians.
- Large storage capacity and dry goods basket
- 3-inches of insulation to keep things cold
- Tie-down slots and non-slip feet
- Rotomolded, heavy-duty construction
Our Expert’s Take
“Canadians will love the combination of function, features, and durability with this cooler. There’s plenty of space for anything you need to carry, and plenty to love here.”
Best Portability
Under Armour 24-Can Sideline Cooler
For Canadians who are always on the go, we recommend the Under Armour Sideline Cooler. This cooler is built to be strong and durable, with a coated outer fabric that resists dirt and water. It has a rigid interior liner that is BPA and lead-free and is easy to clean with a simple wipe-down.
This cooler might be easily portable, but it still has enough space to hold 12-24 cans depending on how much ice you use. Plus, it has two exterior zipper pockets for extra storage options. It features an easy access flap on the top, an insulated zipper lid and built-in fence hooks so you can hang it for added convenience. But for us, the shoulder strap is what sets this lightweight cooler apart, making it easy to carry anywhere.
This cooler is super-versatile, with plenty of room to store what you need in addition to keeping your food and drink cold. It comes with an additional mesh bag that easily hooks to the outside of the cooler for even more storage space.
Whether you’re spending the day by the lake, planning a hunting or fishing trip, hiking through the backcountry, or just spending a day hitting golf balls on the links, this lightweight, a portable cooler is a great choice.
The Highlights
For a great combination of storage space, portability, and functionality – there is no better choice than the Under Armour Sideline cooler. It has plenty of space, extra pockets, an easy-access lid, and built-in hooks for extra convenience.
- Shoulder strap for easy-carry portability
- Additional exterior zipper pockets
- Large capacity for 12-24 cans
- Easy access flap and insulated lid
Our Expert’s Take
“Wherever you need to go in Canada, make sure you bring this cooler with you. It’s lightweight and portable enough to not be a hassle, but large enough to store whatever you need to bring along.”
Best for Large Capacity
Igloo BMX Cooler
Features:
- Material: Other
- Dimensions: 65.8cm x 41.4cm x 41.9 cm
- Capacity: 49 litres
- Can Capacity: Not Specified
- Weight: 7.4 kg
It's Great For:
- Storing a large number of items
- Those who need a cooler that is extremely durable but lightweight
- Use in all weather
- Canadians who need a cooler that is built to last
For large-capacity storage or carry needs, the Igloo BMX cooler is the way to go. This extra-large cooler has a 49-litre capacity, meaning if you need to keep it cold, you can fit it inside this beast. And this cooler was built with extra-thick foam walls and an insulated lid, so even with it filled to the brim, your food and drink will stay cold. This cooler can keep ice from melting for up to 4-5 days even when subjected to temperatures up to 32 degrees Celsius.
The Igloo BMX also includes rubberized t-latches to secure the lid, which both helps to keep in the cold and ensures the lid stays closed. The built-in UV inhibitors protect the cooler from the rays of the sun, which also helps to keep the contents cold while protecting the colour from fading. The Cooler Riser technology elevates the cooler surfaces and helps keep everything frosty as well.
This cooler is extremely well-built and designed for durability. It has oversized hinges and stainless-steel screws, skid pads, extra corner protection, and diamond plates at the bottom to protect the exterior and extend the life of the cooler. The heavy-duty blow-moulded construction ensures this cooler will hold up and be a part of your adventures for years to come.
Even with all that durability and storage space, this cooler is exceptionally lightweight. With a weight of just 7.4 kg, which is about half the weight of comparably sized coolers, the Igloo BMX won’t weigh you down. Extra features include a built-in fish ruler, four tie-down points on the lid, and a triple-point grab handle with stainless-steel reinforcement and a rubber grip for easy carrying.
The Highlights
Extra-large size combined with super-durable construction and its exceptionally light weight makes the Igloo BMX cooler the perfect companion for even the longest trips. We love the fact that this cooler keeps the contents cold for between 4-5 days and is built strong to hold up against wear and tear.
- Extra-large 49-litre capacity
- Durable build and life-extending construction features
- Super lightweight considering its size
- UV protection and extra-thick foam walls keep contents cold for 4-5 days
Our Expert’s Take
“The Igloo BMX cooler is a serious option for Canadians looking for a large capacity cooler that can still travel with them on their adventures.”
Best Wheeled
Coleman 316 Cooler
Coleman is a leading name in coolers and camping gear, and this cooler is a perfect example of why. The Coleman 316 cooler is large and in charge and features a durable tow handle, which makes it our favourite choice for the best-wheeled cooler for Canadians. Or use the swing-up handles for easy-carry capability. But that’s not all this cooler has to offer.
This cooler can store up to 101 cans or over 58 litres, meaning you can store all the cold drinks or food you need for your next outdoor adventure. It’s super-insulated and can keep contents cold for up to five days, so there’s no worry about the ice melting and your food spoiling, even on extremely hot days.
The Coleman 316 cooler is built to be durable and sturdy. It can even double as an extra seat, with construction able to hold up to 113 kilograms of weight without damage. We also love the stain-proof inner liner that keeps the cooler clean and sparkling. It features a no-tilt system for quick and easy draining. And it has four built-in cup holders that can fit up to 887-millilitre tumbler cups, so you have an extra-secure place to set your beverages without worrying about spills. And the cup holders are designed with moulded channels to help drain away excess liquid which might accumulate from condensation.
The Highlights
The Coleman 316 cooler is a great combination of size, stability, and functionality. It’s built to last and fully insulated to keep the contents cold for days. The fact that this cooler is on wheels and features a durable tow handle makes it super convenient for trips of all kinds.
- Extra-large 58-litre capacity
- Wheeled design and durable tow handle
- Super insulated for 5-day cooling capability
- Built-in cup holders and no-tilt draining
Our Expert’s Take
“When your hands are full, or you just don’t feel like toting a heavy cooler around, this is the cooler for you. There’s plenty of storage space, and the tow handle makes the Coleman 316 cooler perfect for those long journeys from the car to the campsite.”
Best Features
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze
If you love customizable options and extra features, you’ll enjoy the Arctic Zone Tidal Deep Freeze cooler. It’s the best cooler in Canada when it comes to features. It’s the perfect size for slinging across your shoulder, making it easy to take it with you on all of your adventures. Though it’s compact and lightweight, it can fit up to 16 cans at a time.
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze is manufactured with high-performance insulation, a cold-block base, and a radiant heat barrier, making it capable of maintaining a cold temperature for up to two days.
The adjustable, anti-slip, Backsaver shoulder strap with a cushioned pad serves to center the weight of the load, making it easier and more comfortable to carry even across long distances. Use the handy flip-open, zipper-less lid for quick and easy access to your favourite food or drinks.
As for extra features, there are plenty to be found on this cooler. We will start with the extra pockets. This cooler has an insulated front pocket with an extra zipper compartment, and two mesh side pockets for extra storage capacity. Then we can mention the durable HardBody liner, which is fully removable if you choose to use the full soft-sided interior. Use it with the HardBody liner and you get access to the SmartShelf, which makes it easy to separate hard items from soft items (no more smushed sandwiches). You can also choose to remove the SmartShelf and just use the HardBody liner alone.
The Highlights
Easy and comfortable portability, ample storage space, and customizable features make the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze cooler a perfect choice for outings of any kind. Set it up for your needs, adjust the shoulder strap to the right length, fill it with your favourite cold snacks or beverages, and you’re on your way!
- Easy, comfortable portability
- Extra pockets for added storage space
- Removable Hardbody liner
- SmartShelf for separating hard and soft items
Our Expert’s Take
“When you need a cooler that is well-built, durable, and lightweight but still keeps your contents cold for up to two days, this is the best choice. We also love that you can choose to use this cooler in several different ways, making it super-customizable for Canadians on the go.”
Best for Working
Klein Tools Work Cooler
Features:
- Material: Blend
- Dimensions: 2.54cm x 2.54cm x 2.54cm
- Capacity: 16 litres
- Can Capacity: 18 Cans
- Weight: 3.08 kg
It's Great For:
- Keeping lunches and drinks cold for up to 30 hours
- Super-durable and capable of supporting up to 136.1 kg of weight
- Storing extra items and utensils in the lid compartment
- Customizable carry options
When you’re facing a long, tiring workday, you will probably need a way to keep your lunch and drinks cold. This is especially true if you work outdoors, on the road, or at a worksite. The Klein Tools Work Cooler was designed with Canadians like you in mind. This sturdy, durable cooler stands up to any kind of abuse and includes features designed to make lunch hour more enjoyable.
The features of this cooler start with its large capacity. Although deceivingly small in size, this cooler can hold up to 18 cans and has a 16-litre capacity. Then you get the benefit of the inside storage compartment located inside the lid, which is the perfect place to keep utensils, napkins, medication, keys, and more. Plus, the lid flips open 90 degrees, so it doubles as a table! There’s even a recessed spot capable of holding up to a one-litre bottle.
If you’re more in need of a seat than a table, the Klein Tools Work cooler does that too. It is capable of supporting up to 136 kilograms of weight. When you need to lock up your lunch, there’s a convenient professional-grade hand Lock hasp that fits a #1 Master Lock or equivalent. The adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry with you, and the durable design means this cooler will be with you for a long time.
The Highlights
For the hard-working Canadian, there is no better option than the Klein Tools Work Cooler. Its convenient features allow you to store extra stuff in the lid, lock it up tight, and it doubles as a table or seat so you can enjoy your lunch in comfort. Plus, this cooler is built to stand up to the wear and tear of the worksite.
- Built-in lid compartment for extra storage
- Cools up to 2 days
- Doubles as a table or seat
- Lockable lid for extra security
Our Expert’s Take
“We believe that the Klein Tools Work Cooler will meet every Canadian’s needs, both on the worksite and off. This cooler was designed to provide everything you need to enjoy your lunch in comfort.”
Why Trust Us?
We’ve followed the most popular household trends and lifestyle products in Canada for years. Our mission is to help Canadians find the very best that’s out there – for their lives, their homes, and their families. We want to help you make the best choices according to the features that Canadians care about most, so you can get the best value for your money.
Our experts evaluate each of the products on our lists. Each product is thoroughly analyzed and researched. Based on the results of our evaluations, we composed a list of the best of the best in each category. Our list of the best coolers in Canada considers the most desired features, including:
- Size and Capacity. Every situation is different, and that’s why the size and capacity of each cooler are so important. Some Canadians might need a lightweight, super-portable cooler that can go with them anywhere. Others might be looking for an extra-large capacity cooler that they can take with them on extended trips. We considered the size and shape of each cooler on our list to accommodate each of these needs.
- Portability. All of the coolers on our list are portable in some way. There are lightweight options that include shoulder straps for easy portability. There are large-capacity coolers that feature heavy-duty carry handles designed for strength and support. And then there’s the wheeled option that allows you to pull the cooler behind you, making even the heaviest loads easy to transport.
- Cooling Ability. The whole point of a cooler is to keep things cold, right? So, we looked for coolers that were manufactured with the best processes and included design features that do exactly that. The coolers on our list are well-built and super-insulated so they can maintain cold temperatures inside for lengthy periods, some as long as 4-5 days.
- Additional Features. What would any good purchase be without some special features? We looked for coolers that were designed with Canadians in mind and included features that we felt Canadians would appreciate. From a work cooler that doubles as a table, to no-tilt draining, and extra pockets galore, these coolers are brimming with special design features.
Why Use a Cooler in Canada?
Coolers are used to keep food and drink items cold without the use of refrigeration or electricity. Canadians have great use for coolers because of their great ability to provide easy cold storage. Coolers can serve many purposes, such as keeping lunches cold during daily outings of a long workday. They can travel with you to the beach, for a day at the lake, during a hike in the Canadian wilderness, or for a trip to the golf course. And of course, outdoorsmen always need a way to tote food and drink. Hunters and campers usually purchase coolers more than other consumers.
Even if you are just going to the park for a cookout, a cooler can help keep your drinks fresh and cold. They aren’t expensive, and they can improve your outdoor life in every way.
How to Choose the Right Cooler in Canada
Coolers are not one-size-fits-all. Each Canadian might need one for a different purpose. There are a host of different sizes and applications, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The coolers on our list are equipped with a variety of design features, shapes, and sizes. Keep the following features and factors in mind when choosing a cooler in Canada.
Cooler Types and Materials
There are a few different types of coolers, which can come down to the materials used on the exterior of the cooler.
Hard coolers include some type of hard plastic on the outside. This is insulated with foam or other materials. A hard-sided cooler is better for resisting high temperatures and can keep your food or drinks cooler for longer periods. These coolers are more durable, but they are also heavier. You could take a hard-sided cooler with you to the campground or a tailgating party, but you shouldn’t take it on a long hike.
Soft-sided coolers, on the other hand, use softer materials for a lightweight experience. These coolers are more portable, but they usually have a lower capacity. While they also use plenty of insulation, they may be more susceptible to higher temperatures. Soft-sided coolers are great for day hikes, picnics, and lunches at your work site. However, they won’t keep your food or drink cold for days at a time.
You should choose the type of cooler that best fits your uses. If you are planning a multi-day trip, a hard-sideded cooler is the best option for you. If you want to keep food cool for a road trip, beach party, or picnic, a soft-sided cooler can be a great choice.
Capacity and Dimensions
How much food or drinks do you need to keep cool? If you’re planning to carry a few beers to the golf course for eighteen holes, then you probably only need a small, portable cooler. However, if you’re stocking up for a neighbourhood block party or are planning an extended camping trip in the wilderness, then you’re going to need a much larger cooler with more storage capacity.
Sometimes, the listing for your cooler will tell you how many cans it can hold. While this information doesn’t help if you plan to use the cooler for other activities, it can give you an idea of how large the interior of the cooler really is.
Keep in mind that the exterior dimensions of the cooler aren’t a good measure of capacity. Coolers use layers of thick lining and insulation to keep your food and drink cold. The interior dimensions are a much better indicator of how much your cooler can handle.
Portability
How far will you need to carry the cooler? If you’re parking your vehicle three miles from your campsite and then hiking the rest of the way, then a heavy, bulky cooler probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, you can opt for a portable cooler with a shoulder strap that you can easily carry down the trail. You could even choose a wheeled cooler if you need more storage capacity but don’t want to lug the cooler around by hand. Just be aware of what type of terrain you plan to traverse along the way.
Consider how far you need to take the cooler once you arrive to your destination. Camping and hiking coolers should be smaller to accommodate a greater travel distance, while tailgating and other outdoor parties can make use of larger coolers.
Cooling Capacity
How long does the cooler need to stay cold? If you’re expecting to be far from civilization for a few days or longer, then you will need a cooler that is well-insulated and able to keep items cold for an extended period. However, if you are camping at a local campground with easy access to a general store and an ample supply of ice, then cooling ability might not be as important.
Still, you should consider your needs while you use the cooler. An option that warms up after a few hours is great for a tailgate party but won’t work when you need to keep food cool on a camping trip. Make sure to keep those options and the features you need for each situation in mind as you shop for a cooler.
Additional Features
What kind of features do you need? Are you looking for a cooler that can serve as a table or seat during your lunch break at work? Or maybe one that is bear-resistant so you’re not tempting the local wildlife with your trail snacks? Or perhaps you need a cooler that is customizable to fit your changing needs? Do you need it to have a locking lid? Are you planning on using the cooler to just keep your beverages cold? Or are you packing a picnic lunch as well, and maybe need a separate tray for hard and soft items? Consider how you will use the cooler and what features will help you get the most out of your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main feature that allows coolers to keep things stored inside cold is the ability to prevent heat transfer. When hot things come in contact with colder things, some of the heat and cold are transferred over in both directions. This transfer will continue until both items reach a similar temperature. A cooler is insulated to keep the cold inside and keep the heat outside.
The recommended ice-to-space ratio is about .45 kilograms of ice to about 0.94 litres of space. This ratio also depends a lot on how much you are planning to put in the cooler. The more ice you add, the longer it will last. So, adding items to a cooler takes up some of the space and limits the amount of ice that you can fit inside.
To keep your cooler cold for as long as possible, you should store it in a cool, shady place and out of direct sunlight. Try to avoid opening the cooler too often as well, because opening the cooler repeatedly will speed up the warming process. It can also help to pre-chill the cooler by filling it with only ice for around 24 hours before filling it. Pre-chilling the items placed inside will help as well.